Just around the corner from the Callejon del Romance, is El Jardin de
Villalongin. There is a story of boldness, audacity, grit and courage
attached to this garden. Named after Don Manuel Villalongin, an insurgent
who fought with Hidalgo and Morelos in the Mexican War of Independence
against the Spanish, this beautiful garden with its manicured flowers and
lovely fountain is worth visiting.

The Aqueduct that carried water to
this city before modern times

Located in the Historical Center of
Morelia and at the beginning of the Aqueduct, you can see bits of the garden
through the arches here.

Yes, there is a lot of
traffic right here, coming in from several directions. But there is some
sanity to it.

Back during the Mexican War of Independence, the Spanish authorities had
taken Villalongin's wife hostage and kept her in the "las Animas" prison
located here. The idea was that Villalongin was to lay down his arms and the
Spanish would return his wife.

The other side of the Aqueduct, garden
on the left

Fat chance.

Villalongin didn't lay down his arms, but
instead, secretly communicated with his wife. And just like in the movies,
Manuel daringly - with valor and heroism - rode in on horseback and rescued
his wife from the prison!

Having our photo taken in front of the
"MORELIA" sign

This particular area of the city has
several bars, restaurants, shops, the Villalongin Garden, the Aqueduct, the
Callejon de Romance and a couple of famous fountains too.

We had fabulous weather during our trip
and took full advantage of it all.

In the center is the fountain of the
Roman goddess Flora

This fountain is considered to be one of
the oldest in Morelia.

Before being moved here to this garden in
1889, this lovely fountain spent a century in Plaza de Armas. There are
walkways and wrought iron benches on which to sit and people-watch.

Another view of the Jardin

Make it a point to get to this section of
town. It's a nice walk from the
Cathedral and you can leave the city-fied hustle and bustle behind and
come to this little oasis of calm.